Tag Archives: Pascal’s Wager

Whilst traveling in Morocco, I lost my internet connection for the night. Not able to sleep, I realized that I had Ma Nuit Chez Maud still loaded in my computer. Although I find reading subtitles difficult in the wee hours of the morning, it was better than lying awake with my thoughts. I purchased the box set of Six Moral Tales about eight years ago.

Just like my favorite books, I pull out the movies when I’m in need of something deeper to think about than the angst of everyday living. If you have not watched any of Rohmer’s films, what you need to know is that it is full of dialogue and it’s always philosophical in nature.

I resume the film where the lead character, an engineer, reunites with an old friend. They discuss Pascal’s Wager – the idea that even if God doesn’t exist the stakes of believing outweigh the stakes of not believing. This philosophy of low or unknown probability with infinite satisfaction can be applied to everyday life. Recently, a friend reminded me of how calculated or cautious I have been. I will admit, prior to my 30’s, I lived a very planned and careful life – not wanting to take too many chances – with food, love, work, etc. But then something changed. It felt rather refreshing to not live by the boundaries or rules I set up for myself. I haven’t thrown all reason out the door, but it’s refreshing to lead with what will make me happy first despite the odds. Sometimes it’s better that things be impossible!